The Damrivi Foundation was set up in 2003 by a group of academics and professionals to establish a forum for
social action guided by Buddhist insights and philosophy. Over the last 8yrs Damrivi has evolved as a professional forum
brining in Buddhist insights to the development process.

In line with the cardinal principle of the Buddhist Philosophy, ' Mind is the fore-runner of all phenomena, Mind
precedes all good and evil', Damrivi identifies the crux of the problems of the as having mainly to do with 'attitudes
and value system'.

Damrivi Foundation on its annual journey to dambadiva - 2015

Damrivi organised its seventh successive Vesak Programme

Damrivi organised its seventh successive Vesak Programme on 6th of May 2012, the day after Vesak Poya Day at the Damrivi Centre, and its one among our key dhamma activities. This program is conducted on the day after the Vesak Poya in order to keep the Vesak day open for the devotees to participate in the Vesak programmes conducted by the temples on Vesak Poya Day.

UTTARANI 2011 - An evening of music of our values to raise funds for Damrivi’s Counselling Programme

For the second consecutive year, Damrivi Foundation organized a musical evening on 4 Decemebr 2011, to raise funds for the organization’s counseling programme.

"Uttarani" 2011 once again endeavoured to bring together classical and fusion music to cater to a wide group of audience. The dual purpose of this musical event was to bring a Buddhist social message through a combination of classical and fusion music and to raise funds for the counselling programme. The message that was brought forth at this musical event signified the relevance of the message of the Buddha for mental happiness and well-being and peaceful co-existence in today’s confused and complex world.

2011/2012 Diploma in Counselling Commences

The 2011/2012 Diploma course in Counselling conducted by Damrivi Foundation commenced in January 2012. This is the 10th counselling course that Damrivi has conducted. Damrivi’s counselling course is unique in that it combines Western therapies with Buddhist insights. Once the theoretical aspects of the course are done, the students will given a practical training in counselling which includes a mandatory 200 hours of field training.

organization with a difference

The services rendered to the world and Sasana by Damrivi Foundation, run by a group of academics and professionals devoted to Buddhism, is commendable. Deriving inspiration from the teaching of the Buddha that mind is the fore-runner of all things, ‘mano pubbangama dhamma’, the foundation aims at transforming the society by transforming the thoughts, views and attitudes of people. Accordingly, in order to achieve this goal Damrivi Foundation is seen focusing mainly on spiritual and educational programs. In this context, special mention must be made on its counselling service based on Buddhist insights.

I have been closely associated with the Damrivi Foundation from its inception. It is an organization with a difference adopting Buddhism to cater to challenges of modernity. I sincerely hope and wish that all Buddhists recognize and rally round organizations of this nature in order to take this service to the four corners of the world.

Many noble endeavors...

The credibility and success of its many noble endeavors has earned Damrivi a significant reputation in society. Not only has it filled a niche in the provision of a variety of psycho-social support to the needy, but through its hugely popular meditation classes it is also building bridges between the teachings of the Buddha and the practice of the Theravada doctrine.

The structured meditation classes conducted by Mr.Gamini Priyantha has been a very special experience to me. As a gifted communicator he simplifies with penetrating insight the importance of treading the Path of the Dhamma. With each inspirational talk, he elegantly and entertainingly weaves the essence and importance of practicing meditation into our daily lives and gently prods the listener into becoming a diligent practitioner through his/her own conviction. For providing a platform for this valuable dhamma dana, as one of the many that come seeking Mr. Gamini Priyantha's teaching every Sunday, I am indeed indebted to Damrivi.

Dr. Tara de Mel, Colombo 07

a complete turnaround

I record with deep gratitude the immense contribution Damrivi has made to my life in directing me to follow the path of Dhamma through meditation which led to a complete turnaround in my daily life. I cherish the joy of simple living, the Dhamma way with a singular goal to reach during the rest of my life. The change was so simple and the option had always been there but never resorted to till my exposure at Damrivi sermons and meditation sessions.

The difference in this transformation is phenomenal and had eluded me for over five decades of religious devotion and worship which, then, made me happy as a devoted Buddhist. But the path introduced by Damrivi is at a much higher level of fulfillment but no doubt needs dedicated efforts and control of ones mind. The challenges ahead bears commensurate recognition at each stage, which themselves are most rewarding.

I am also indebted to Damrivi for enrolling me on the Diploma Course in “Psychological counseling the Buddhist Way” which was an eye opener to me in spite of over two decades Career Guidance experience. The knowledge and skills acquired by me during the Course has immensely enhanced my assessments to add much value to my services in career Guidance services.

I wish to express my eternal gratitude to Damrivi and all those who are working selflessly for directing me to this path.

I joined Damrivi in 2004...

I am very lucky & grateful to be a part of the Damrivi Foundation.I have been a Volunteer, facilitator (1992-2000) in City of Fort McMurray Alberta, Canada for the community services department.I joined Damrivi in 2004 through the Child Counseling Course. Since then at Damrivi I have been excelling in my knowledge in Dhamma both through meditation and also through family and child counseling. Now I am a volunteer counsellor, helping the needy in solving their personal problems and leading a peaceful life. I dedicate my time to provide services through Damrivi as well as in Meditation Retreats, where I facilitate Vipassana meditation.In addition I also volunteer at the Sri Lanka Cancer Hospital as a counsellor in Damrivi’s Cancer counseling programs.Joining Damrivi Foundation has taken me on a wonderful path to peace, happiness and contentment in life!

Cinta Samaranayaka Volunteer Damrivi Counsellor

Today, I am grateful...

A whole new dimension opened out to my way of thinking once I started the Diploma Course in Buddhist Psychology. It also made me realise that Buddha was the first to speak about the mind so deeply and analyze it to such a great extent. Today, modern psychologists speak of matters of the mind which Lord Buddha spoke of 2600 years ago.

I was able to to use the teachings of the human mind and behaviour taught by the Buddha and Psychologist to better myself as a person and to understand others more.

Today, I am grateful to Damrivi for giving me the opportunity to work as a Volunteer Counselor since it helped me to understand that there are so many people in Sri Lanka who need help and guidance through counseling. I am happy to be a part of it and thank Damrivi for guiding me in this direction.

Youth Development

For a happy married life

A youth programme addressing the spiritual, biological and psychological
needs for a happy marriage.

This includes Buddhist concept of love and family values, Domestic
Violence and its consequences , Stresses and strains of a marital relationship, Causes of Conflict
and Resolution, Value of Meditation

Counselling services

Our counselling service is one of our key interventions targeting to promote mental health. Damrivi counseling services combine Buddhist insights and therapies and western counseling theories and therapies .

The service is provided by highly trained counsellors and medical personnel specialized in mental health including psychiatrists. Damrivi provides in-house counselling by prior appointment and free phone counselling at any time during working hours. Our services are accessed by distressed people of all faiths.

Beyond The Net

Damrivi manages Beyond the Net, (www.beyondthenet.net)
a web site on Theravada Buddhism which has been in existence for over 14 years. This site also serves to make available
to the world ,the Buddhist tradition as practiced in Sri Lanka.